Chicken curry is a flavorful dish enjoyed in many cuisines around the world, with variations depending on regional spices and cooking methods. Here’s a basic recipe for a delicious chicken curry that you can easily make at home:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup coconut milk (or yogurt for a different style of curry)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste, optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices:
- Add curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the onions and aromatics with the spices. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet or pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquid:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet or pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to break down.
- Pour in coconut milk (or yogurt) and chicken broth (or water). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Curry:
- Bring the curry to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more curry powder or chili powder if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your homemade chicken curry!
Tips for Variations:
- Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as potatoes, bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the curry for extra flavor and texture.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh chili peppers to suit your spice preference.
- Creaminess: For a richer curry, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end of cooking.
This chicken curry recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences. It’s perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings a taste of authentic homemade curry to your table.
